Only one forward contributed a goal in the 3-0 victory over Peru on Friday, with Daniel Sturridge's deft strike in the first half breaking the dreary deadlock.
But coach Roy Hodgson was still encouraged that his players managed to successfully exploit Peru's inability to defend set pieces to extend their lead in the second half. From two corners in a five-minute span, Gary Cahill and Phil Jagielka both netted in England's first friendly since the 23-man World Cup squad was named.
"When you play against teams with 10 men behind the ball you have to be patient but I had no doubt we would win." England heads over the weekend to Miami to play friendlies against Ecuador and Honduras before flying onto Brazil. In the Florida sun, it will be Wayne Rooney in particular with a lot to prove after the striker failed to come close to scoring in north London.
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Although England was in control in the first half, there were anxious moments due to sloppiness that provided openings for the ineffective Peruvians, who didn't qualify for Brazil.
When Rooney conceded possession early on, Jean Deza was able to unleash a dipping shot that Joe Hart saved, one of several openings for the winger on his debut. And in the second half, defender Glen Johnson gave the ball away too easily inside his own half, allowing Andre Carrillo to break forward and release Deza to shoot.